Contact
Biography
Dr Marieke de Vries studied clinical neuropsychology at the University of Amsterdam. She specialized in neuropsychology in children in both her research and clinical internship. After graduating (MSc), Marieke has worked as a child psychologist. Her PhD project focused on Executive Functions in children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). After gaining her PhD, Marieke has worked as a Post-doctoral researcher for research priority area Yield at the University of Amsterdam, the Academic Medical Center, and the VU medical center in Amsterdam.
Expertise Summary
My main research interest is autism and the possible link with culture. Several factors that are linked to autism, such as Executive Functioning, Language (e.g., multilingualism), Imagination, and Music might be influenced by culture. I am eager to explore how culture might influence the interpretation and expression of, and attitude towards (e.g., stigma) autistic traits and autism. Moreover, I aim to explore how these factors are linked to parental stress, parenting styles, and the quality of life of families with autistic children.
Teaching Summary
I am module convenor and lecturer for the following modules:
- Developmental Psychology year 1(PSGY1013)
- Social and Developmental Psychology year 2 (PSGY2013).
I developed, and I am module convenor and lecturer on the following modules:
- Autism year 3 (PSGY3035)
- Introduction into Clinical Psychology year 3 (PSGY3030)
- Nottingham Advantage Awards Psychology Internships (NAA1597).
Research Summary
In my current research, I focus on possible cultural differences in interpretation of autism traits, attitude towards autism, stress among parents of children with autism, and music preferences from… read more
Selected Publications
DE VRIES, MARIEKE, PRINS, PIER J. M., SCHMAND, BEN A. and GEURTS, HILDE M., 2015. Working memory and cognitive flexibility-training for children with an autism spectrum disorder: a randomized controlled trial JOURNAL OF CHILD PSYCHOLOGY AND PSYCHIATRY. 56(5), 566-576 DE VRIES, MARIEKE and GEURTS, HILDE M., 2012. Cognitive Flexibility in ASD; Task Switching with Emotional Faces JOURNAL OF AUTISM AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS. 42(12), 2558-2568 GEURTS, H. M., DE VRIES, M. and VAN DEN BERGH, S. F., Executive Functioning Theory and Autism. In: GOLDSTEIN, S. and NAGLIERI, J. A., eds., Handbook of Executive Functioning Springer New York.
Current Research
In my current research, I focus on possible cultural differences in interpretation of autism traits, attitude towards autism, stress among parents of children with autism, and music preferences from individuals with autism, together with my PhD students (Safira Abu Bakar, Omidreza Fani, and Chee Zhong Jian).
Additionally, I am interested in creativity and imagination in the autistic and general population, and differences in parenting styles between cultures and possible influences on child development and attachment.
Past Research
The main focus of my PhD project was deficits in Executive Functions (EFs) in children with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). I studied in which EFs children with ASD show deficits and whether and how EFs as measured on tasks, relate to EFs in daily life. Moreover, I studied an EF training program for children with ASD, to study whether Working Memory and Cognitive Flexibility could be trained by means of a specially developed computer game (Braingame Brian). Although all children improved in EFs as measured with tasks, and improved in behaviour as measured with questionnaires, there was no difference between children who were trained (in Working Memory or Cognitive Flexibility) and children who received the control (placebo) training.
During my Postdoctoral research, I focused on neuropsychological consequences of several diseases in children, such as brain tumours, and sickle cell disease. Children who had a brain tumour seem to 'grow into deficit'; neuropsychological problems increase over the years after diagnosis and treatment, as affected brain regions might cease to develop. Screening for neuropsychological consequences over time is therefore very important. I studied whether screening with a questionnaire (Pediatric Perceived Cognitive Functioning item bank; PedsPCF) prior to extensive neuropsychological testing would be beneficial.